Cambodia, a diverse country with a captivating history, is unveiled during this trip. After arrival in bustling Phnom Penh we head to picturesque Kampot, a land of paddy fields and pepper plantations. We pause for lunch at Kep Bay to enjoy views across the Gulf of Thailand before transferring to Koh Kong, at the foot of the Cardamom Mountains. Returning to Phnom Penh we visit the Royal Palace and the sobering ‘Killing Fields’ before departing for Battambang, a well-preserved colonial town. Finally, we discover the temple complex of Angkor with a sunset visit and a bike ride to the less-visited temples.

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Phnom Penh.

Sousadei! Welcome to Cambodia. Dependent on arrival time there will be the opportunity to explore the capital or simply relax by the hotel pool. There will be a short meeting scheduled to introduce you to Cambodia followed by an optional welcome dinner.See more images and videos

2Day 2Transfer to Kampot; sunset river cruise.

Leaving Phnom Penh we travel into rural Cambodia to Kampot which sits on a picturesque river. On the way we stop at Phnom Chisor mountain temple set on a hill with a magnificent view. The temple was built in the 11th century by King Suryavarman I. It is made of laterite, bricks and carved sandstone. Upon arrival we check into our centrally located hotel, our base for the next two nights, before boarding a local boat for sunset trip on the Kampot River. The river runs through the centre of the town and can flow in both directions as it is closely connected to the sea.See more images and videos

3Day 3Explore fruit and pepper plantations; visit Kep.

Today we venture out into the countryside to discover the highlights of the Kampot Province including local salt fields, rice fields, fruit and pepper plantations, and the Phnom Chhnork caves. Kampot is also famed for being one of the largest producers of the durian fruit; the durian, once opened, has a smell so pungent it is illegal to take indoors in some South East Asian countries! After exploring the countryside we visit Kep 'ghost town' - previously a popular seaside resort Kep now houses old resort buildings which have bullet holes in from the Khmer Rouge period, a reminder of the not so distant past. Kep is once again regaining popularity with local tourists and you might like to join them in having lunch in the simple crab shacks that line the beach. Serving up the freshest seafood around the crab in Kampot pepper sauce is not to be missed!See more images and videos

4Day 4Journey to Koh Kong along jungle roads.

Leaving Kampot in the morning we travel to Koh Kong which is in the Cardamom protected area, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, and the second largest area of rainforest in mainland Southeast Asia. Getting closer to Koh Kong the route winds its way through roads with jungle on either side and past elephant crossing signs. The Cardamoms are part of the elephant migration path. Koh Kong town is based on the Koh Poi river around a 10 minute drive from casuarina and palm-lined white sandy beaches.

Today is free for optional trips and activities. Koh Kong province is fast establishing itself as Cambodia's eco-tourism destination so there are a wealth of activities to choose from; take a trip to to Tatei waterfall, visit the Peam Krasaop Wildlife Santuary or take a rustic local boat trip to Koh Kong island, the perfect opportunity to relax on a coconut-palmed lined beach and to swim in the crystal clear waters.See more images and videos

6Day 6Transfer to Phnom Penh; evening rickshaw ride.

After breakfast we begin our journey to Phnom Penh. Located on the banks of the Tonle Sap and the Mekong River Phnom Penh is home to 2.2 million of Cambodia's residents. Despite being the capital it still retains a laid-back typically Cambodian feel where the pace is slower than some might expect. There will however be a fair amount of motorbike dodging as the pedestrian is not favoured on the winding side streets! We continue our exploring with a sunset cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) lap of the town giving us a unique view of this bustling city and providing us with an easy orientation. Stopping to see some of the local street food being served on the waterfront we have the chance to try some local specialities. We continue on to finish at a restaurant serving tasty Khmer cuisine. There are also many waterfront bars worth a visit; the Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC) overlooking the Tonle Sap River and only a short walk from the hotel is recommended.See more images and videos

7Day 7Sightseeing including Royal Palace, Killing Fields and Russian Market.

The town still retains a frontier atmosphere and today we have a full day of sightseeing in the capital city. The day will include the beautiful Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, so named for the solid silver tiles that make up the floor. Thankfully the complex escaped the worst excess of the Khmer Rouge rule. Similar in style and scale to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, the Royal Palace has significantly fewer visitors and there is plenty of time to wander among the traditional buildings. There is also time today to shop at either the impressive Central Market or the sprawling Russian Market, a souvenir hunter's paradise! We visit Tuol Sleng museum or S21 (Museum of Genocide), which graphically displays the horrors of the 4 years when Pol Pot systematically ordered the murder of between 2 and 3 million Cambodians. Tuol Sleng was originally a school but was used as a torture and interrogation centre between 1976 and 1979. It is a sobering and disturbing place to visit. Please be aware that the images at the museum are very graphic. We complete our day with a moving late afternoon visit to the 'killing fields' of Choeung Ek. A football-field-sized area surrounded by farmland, the killing fields contain mass graves for perhaps 20,000 Cambodians, many of whom were tortured before being killed.See more images and videos

8Day 8Journey to colonial city of Battambang.

Our destination today is Battambang (pronounced Battambong). Cambodia's second-largest city, Battambang, is centred around an attractive riverside hub with traces of French elegance, friendly Khmer people and well-preserved colonial architecture. There are also some striking examples of Art Deco architecture; Central market, the Victory swimming pool and the train station to name a few. En route to Battambang we have the chance to stop at a pottery village, a silversmith village and a marble handicraft workshop for an insight into local handcrafts and industry. In the evening we'll enjoy an orientation walk along the Sangke River bank and observe daily life of the local people.See more images and videos

9Day 9Leisurely cycle ride through rural Battambang.

Today we cycle through countryside to explore Cambodia's rural way of life. Stopping at villages to see local cottage industries, traditional scarf weaving and traditional farming there will be countless opportunities to interact with the villagers who may be surprised to see us travelling as they do, on a bicycle! We'll reward our morning's efforts with a traditional Cambodian lunch where we'll get to taste a variety of Battambang's famous fish soup, vegetables, fruit and a refreshing coconut. The cycle is easy riding on flat terrain with lots of stops along the way. If you would like to opt out of the cycling and hop on a tuk-tuk instead please let the leader know at the beginning of the trip so alternative arrangements can be made.See more images and videos

10Day 10Transfer to Siem Reap.

After breakfast we head to the town of Siem Reap with stops at the local market at Pouk. Cambodian markets tend to be fragrant affairs is on offer here is Cambodian 'cheese' one of the strongest smelling cheeses around - perhaps because it is made entirely of fish! The local market is nonetheless a great insight into the daily life of the Cambodian people. We will also make a brief stop at the Angkor Silk Farm for a introduction into the life of a silkworm and the production process of this fine textile. This afternoon we walk past the Royal Gardens and along the Siem Reap River front to the Old Market helping us get our bearings in this charming small town. You may like to finish with a visit to the Artisans D'Angkor workshop, a not-for-profit organisation which provides vocational training for young people in traditional Cambodian arts.

Our first full day of temple touring is by private bus so we can visit some of the outlying temples such as Banteay Srei. Known as the Women's Citadel this small temple complex with intricate carvings is devoted to Brahma. Particularly impressive are Banteay Kdei and Ta Prohm, still covered in jungle, similar to how it was when it first came to light. Discovered for the world in the 1870s, (although always known by the local people), and famously described as being 'grander than anything of Greece or Rome' by the French explorer Henri Mouchot, this world heritage site stands alongside the Pyramids and Machu Picchu as one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites. Tonight is free to enjoy one of the many restaurants on the famous 'Bar Street' boulevard in central Siem Reap. You may also wish to marvel at the skills of the Phare Cambodian Circus troop for an entirely different option or chose to watch some traditional Apsara dancing.See more images and videos

12Day 12Leisurely bicycle tour of outer temples.

This morning we get set up on mountain bikes for an easy but active ride around the Angkorian ruins that are closer to town. On the bicycle we can avoid some of the crowds and get a unique perspective on this amazing site. If you want to rise early you can arrange with your leader to take in Angkor at sunrise prior to the day's cycling. We will visit the incredible Angkor Wat, the many temples inside the Royal City of Angkor Thom, including the magnificent Bayon, which is comprised of 54 intricately carved towers in one single temple. The Bayon certainly left an impression on an early traveller in 1925 who stated 'we stand before it stunned. It is like nothing else in the land.' Angkor is a truly magical experience and a photographer's paradise, one of the real highlights of our trip. The ride will be approx. 25km with plenty of opportunities for refreshment stops and to take photos.

Your images

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are reasonably fit, enjoy the outdoors and are looking for some exercise. Some previous experience is preferable for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Arrival & departure transfers

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotels

You will spend twelve nights in comfortable hotels with en suite facilities.

Single rooms are available for a supplement of GBP310. Please advise the sales team at the time of booking if you require a single room.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
A visa can be obtained on arrival for British nationals. One passport photo required. The cost is USD20, although an additional express fee of USD5-6 may be incurred at the border. For further information see the FCO site and check under Cambodia / 'Entry Requirements'.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Malaria prophylaxis is essential and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take. Holiday style

This is a busy itinerary that visits the main highlights of Cambodia. We travel by private minibus to allow you to experience as much as possible of this beautiful and diverse county in a short space of time. We have kept the travelling time to a minimum however a couple of day have approx. 5 hours transfer journeys. We use 3 star hotels throughout our tour. It is important to take into consideration that outside of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Cambodia is fairly underdeveloped for tourism.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts included.

Food is cheap in Cambodia and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Cambodia's food is all about the contrasts—sweet and bitter, salty and sour, fresh and cooked. It shares many dishes with its neighbors, and you'll find noodle soup similar to Vietnamese pho, Thailand's refreshing salads and sour soups, Indian-inspired curries, and noodles and stir fries handed down from years of Chinese migration. From Cambodia's days as a French Indochina colony, there's a national love of coffee, pate, and good bread. Baguettes are served with soup, made into sandwiches, and sold by men riding bicycles carrying baskets of long loaves. Western food is also available in most of the places visited.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

The weather will be hot and humid throughout with temperatures during the day usually between 28ºC and 34ºC. It is only a little cooler at nights. The dry season is late October to May and the monsoon is normally between May and October; though there is an obvious transitional time between those settled periods. The dry season is as it sounds, with hot days and generally clear skies, though you can expect the odd shower.

Gallery

Reviews & community

A really great holiday, with a lovely group of people and an excellent guide. Pheap and his driver Mr Ouch showed us with pride their beautiful country. Recovering from terrible events in the 70's Cambodia is now opening up to tourism and has much to offer.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

No one thing, but of course the size and grandeur of Angkor Watt which was amazing. Then on a totally different scale, the Genocide Museum, which was hard to visit and accept, but had to be done. Throughout the trip the Cambodian people were smiling and welcoming.

What did you think of your group leader?

Pheap was an excellent guide and leader. Always available with a smile, lots of information and of course his singing voice, a song for every city we visited! He is an asset to Exodus. Every time we left or returned to the coach we were offered drinking water. It was lovely when we stopped at roadside markets etc and he would buy things for us to taste, some with more success than others!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This trip is quite busy, although there is a free day. Some of our group then did a waterfall/trek, while others took a boat trip to a "tropical" island. The journey there and back took over 2 hours each way, and although the island and the lunch we ate there was lovely, we didn't enjoy the visit of sand flies. Many of us got bitten very badly. The food throughout was varied and tasty, we loved the bargain priced cocktails, especially at happy hour. The hotels were all very acceptable and the excellent wi fi connection was a welcome surprise.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would recommend this tour to anyone who loves the diversity and challenge of a visit to Asia! The bike rides were well managed and although quite tough in temperatures of around 35c, there were plenty of stops and the bikes were good. Both rides are around 30 km or so.

Cambodia is a fascinating country with so much to offer. The trip included boat trips, cycling adventures, fabulous temples, and the horror of the killing fields and S21. Our leader was inspirational and introduced us to so many local people and their crafts. The mosquitoes were horrendous and vicious even when thoroughly sprayed with Incognito. And the country was spoiled with so much rubbish everywhere. Even so, one of my best Exodus trips

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Visiting the fishing villages, especially our afternoon at Tonle Sap, and so many opportunities to meet local people and sample their foods.

What did you think of your group leader?

Keasar Hong was quite superb: enthusiastic, cheerful, incredibly efficient, full of bright ideas, and ready to adapt the itinerary as and when. He was passionate and knowledgeable about his country and one of the very best leaders I have had with Exodus.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take plenty of anti mosquito sprays, and Incognito, though I have used it before, seems totally inadequate for Cambodia. Also the cycling was quite hard work, especially in the hot sunshine. But it was a very worthwhile part of the trip, and especially around the villages and Ankor Wat temples

Is there anything else you would like to add?

What a great holiday, wonderful tour guide (Pheap). Visited different parts of Cambodia, much of which seemed to still be unspoilt by tourism. From the deserted beaches of the south west to the traumatic tales of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge and then the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat and surroundings. The overwhelming memory will however be the Cambodian people, so friendly, smiling and welcoming.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Hard to identify a single moment although sunrise at Angkor Wat must be up there.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our tour guide, Pheap, was excellent. Always smiling and attentive to our needs with a song for every occasion (and a great voice). Even during free time and optional activities he was attentive - ensuring that we all had a great holiday. His tales of life as a child during the Khmer Rouge period and after were a real insight into life in Cambodia and very moving.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Currency - Take USD cash - this is the main currency for tourists with prices always in USD - change may be given in Cambodian Riel but no need to actively convert currency. There are ATM's in the main cities but credit cards are really not accepted at most locations. I also found I spent more than expected .... but maybe that was the "happy hour" cocktails!

Don't worry about the 2 days cycling - it is fairly straightforward but there are alternatives for those who cannot cycle (but cycling was a great way to experience Cambodia)

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Fabulous holiday - great to spend two weeks exploring the one country rather than just passing through.

Questions about your trip

Cambodia articles

Staff member Imran Arshad travelled to Cambodia and you can read his article here to get a personal viewpoint of the country and its highlights.

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